The Difference Between a Column Array and a Line Array Speaker

The Difference Between a Column Array and a Line Array Speaker - Aesthetic only - no technical differences highlighted in this video**
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[@TyQuinn]

"Line arrays are horizontal, column arrays are vertical" (direct quote from the video). Is that seriously what you think? Both of them are based on the acoustic coupling of vertically aligned drivers. There is nothing inherently "horizontal" about a line array at all. Do you mean that line-array speakers require multiple drivers mounted horizontally as well as vertically? If that is what you are suggesting, you are completely wrong. Single drivers mounted vertically can absolutely still fulfill the definition of, and follow the acoustic operating principles of larger line arrays. Now there *are* some differences. Larger line arrays, with individual cabinets, allow more precise control of the angle between each set of drivers, which is not possible in an integrated design like consumer speakers. Also, although some column speakers still fulfil the definition of a line array, some others don't. Specifically, quite a number of column speakers advertised as line-arrays actually have their individual speakers directed in different directions horizontally. This decreases the acoustic coupling between drivers compared to genuine line-arrays. So although the drivers are aligned vertically, they will not have the same "throw" and general dispersion characteristic of a "true" line-array. They will also have a wider horizontal dispersion characteristic than a regular line array. Some other design's might use different drivers along the length of the column, which might be another way that some column speakers aren't true line arrays. But, nonetheless, you can't tell if something is a line or a column by how "horizontal" or "vertical" the cabinet looks. That's fucking hilarious

[@reyzuna]

the reason why is column is it has just one driver per array unlike the line array it has multiple drivers like two 12" and one tweeter between it horizontally he didn't said about what the effect of sound or the difference of the sound he only said the design.

[@nodaysoff2005]

You see he didn't respond to you right? When you present facts they have to stay quiet

[@HoanNguyen-kl2qg]

no, they are all line array, its purpose is that you stack them up vertically. The one in the photo is already stacked up with bunch of line array speakers inside vertically

[@NickSpinelli]

@@HoanNguyen-kl2qg wrong

[@cduemig1]

Yes a conventional line array is several full range speakers stacked on top of each other at different angles. The function and purpose is exactly the same so it may annoy you but it’s not wrong. Also I just bought the PRX One. It sounded better to me in store than the Bose Pro 32. It’s cheaper and sounds better but when I took it outside I’d rather have the Bose as it fills the area with sound better. The PRX is a mix between line and point source where the Bose is much more line source. Preference I suppose.

[@DJ-Coma]

It is wrong though. Column array speakers are a bunch of little speakers in a single unit. Line arrays are a bunch of large speakers in separate units, joined together.

[@cduemig1]

@@DJ-Coma a line array is several speakers of the same range stacked to create a line source of audio. In column speakers, specifically the Bose L1 each speaker is full range down to about 200Hz and stacked on top of each other. This creates an array of speakers in a line. It can’t be more clear. When you stack PA speakers in a line array system for a concert you’re trying to increase the throw of the sound and prevent dispersion of the sound waves. It’s exactly how “column” speakers work. There’s no functional difference. If I add another to it, the Bose and PRX One are two separate speakers stacked on top of each other. I’m an engineer and I guarantee there’s no functional difference. I do agree though a naming difference is a good idea. Concert line array systems are far different than the column speakers you’re most likely referring to. An Evolve 50 is hardly even a column much less a line array but technically it is.

[@thenightlifenj1]

@@cduemig1 it utilizes the advantages of coupling from line arrays. Other than that they're nothing like one another. Nick is correct here. It's a fixed column array. Not a line array. There is no angle adjustments that can be made, there is no hf drivers to couple and gain output, there's no vertical control whatsoever. Theres many things that a column array does not share with a traditional line array.

[@djblack_eagle]

I have the RCF Evox 12. Now idk about all those other column arrays, but my speakers sound amazing and are worth every penny.

[@djwinshowthebeatcounter]

So true my brother... great you addressed.

[@DjGCue71]

Call'Em Array!

[@matnkris]

I love my EV 50m's! They sound amazing and haven't had any issues! Why do people hate on them so much?

[@MHeisler777]

Same here. Some people just need to feel different. Love my 50s.

[@DJ-Coma]

I think people “hate” on them because they should be used for crowds under like 200 people, which isn’t a good a reason to hate on them because for crowd/room size under that, they do exceptional as far as sound quality, convenience/size, and aesthetic. Always use the right tool for each job.

[@oldschooldjernie]

They are glorified home hifi speakers, not hating I love good hifi gear. But open up the top and you see little mid high drivers. They cannot push sound to a larger room like horns can. They are good for cocktail time though.

[@MHeisler777]

@@DJ-Coma Agreed, 90% of my crowds are 100 and under so for me they are perfect.

[@claudiovalero6449]

I don’t hate them but the only small issue i have with them is that the top speaker can’t be turned wich in the RCF evox you can and i love that about them.

[@djmello301]

Thanks for the info my brotha. Im guilty of that.

[@djvalentepaiz342]

I got two JBL Column Arrays they sound real good make sure the settings pre set for your venues but great sound

[@sdmackpictures]

I use RCF EVOX 12, which they refer to as line array along with their 18" SUB. These manufacturers are referring to their column speakers as line array. That's why people are using that term.

[@aaronthedj12]

Thank you. was driving me nuts too.

[@jedgould5531]

So your big lead in is “I don’t know.” Take a breath. Try again. There are other differences between column array and linear array. What is it you actually do, btw?

[@djmikebuck6341]

Oh boy...Nick would like to hear your opinion(s) on column array sound regarding all the latest players.

[@amymixesandmasters1385]

It’s not array anything. It’s a soundbar rotated sideways and poked into it’s subwoofer.

[@TommyOnPiano]

🤣

[@soundevents7316]

Great video... I think some of the confusion may be due to Bose referring to their L1 model 2 and L1 Pro series as line arrays. They were the first company out with the technology, I suppose their naming kind of stuck.

[@cduemig1]

Especially as the first systems weren’t true arrays anyway. They had a mix of drivers with different frequencies. You could hear the change up and down the column. Also interesting is the first ones were called “PAS” for Personal Amplification System. They were intended for one or maybe two band members to use one system and have multiple systems. By doing it this way they don’t have issues if wave cancelation they knew would happen. This is still an issue and pointed out in their manuals but people still use pairs.

[@keithbrown9020]

So I just purchased harbinger mls1000 and on the box it says “Personal Line Array”. So they don’t know the difference? I do believe someone doesn’t know the difference.

[@thatchinaboi1]

Keyword is "personal" WITHIN the context of PA Speakers which are the opposite of personal.

[@tfatalt176]

I would think column array is fixed speaker positioning and a line array is not. Or is that too oversimplified lol

[@patmer2087]

If that bugs u, I bet sound engineers get infuriated 😅

[@ahighervibe4086]

well...two Column arrays side by side would technically be a Line Array as well ;)

[@perrywright1555]

You are correct. And even more important….. they are all junk. The entire concept is crackpot. Tiny little speakers in a skinny box will not fill the room with sound. Now if your goal is short throw, wide angle, only reaching the front few rows, and leaving the back of the room quiet so people can talk, then these are good. But if you want to cover some distance, column speakers are useless. No, they don’t have less loss per distance, they have less projection per distance. Normal speakers are far more versatile and useful.

[@reyzuna]

There's a reason why those are tiny drivers, for more accurate sound of High.. If you put a large driver then it will sound just like a MID.. Plus High Freq can travel a distance even with just a tiny driver unlike the SUB that you need massive reflexes to throw its bass

[@oldschooldjernie]

Column arrays have 8 to 12 dome speakers because thats how many a RCF Art's one horn can achieve at higher levels. Chew on that

[@kjaudio1]

I may disagree here

[@DjLyRiX]

Is it over priced? Yes. Is it a bad speaker? No. Most “DJs” think they know audio and they don’t know squat. These are amazing for under 100 guests and indoors. If you’re looking to be a loud DJ, then these are not for you. The hype on these speakers fit. But, if you’re a company, I’d recommend wholesale purchasing. For the retail price, I can buy myself 3 of them.

[@weissomar]

I got a EV 30m line array speaker……😂

[@PierreVonStaines]

First world problem debunked. 👍

[@chromemusic4401]

Considering getting the Prx one JBL. Says 130DB. If true that would crush an evolve and RCF J8. Reviews says it kills the 3,000$ Bose pro32.

[@cduemig1]

They’re rated about the same output but I think that’s misleading. The Bose is definitely louder but has 180 degree dispersion where the PRX One all the drivers are oriented straight ahead so only get about 130 degree. The PRX One is better if you want pairs as they won’t cancel each other as much and more packable. I was looking to see if I’d sell my Bose L1 Model 2’s and trade up to the Pro32 or PRX One and think I’d rather just stick with what I have. Outside the Bose fills the space better. Inside I’d rather have the PRX One.

[@cduemig1]

I definitely think the PRX One crushes the Evolve 50. I demo’d them side by side and took me about 20 seconds to pass on the Evolve for the PRX One.

[@thenightlifenj1]

Ill be amazed if you get close to 130dB. Jbl loves to throw numbers around that for some reason in the real world can never be achieved.

[@chromemusic4401]

@@thenightlifenj1 yeah I have an evolve 50 and RCF J8. Evolve claims 127db. RCF claims 128. I doubt either get near that.

[@steadymanos]

@@chromemusic4401 which is better in your opinion evox or evolves

[@johnmarshalward]

Tomato Tomato. Who cares.

[@mattfranklin3622]

Haha, and still nobody cares! 🙄

[@djclassy7908]

God damn you know just as well as I do that’s it’s just easier and sounds cooler to say the word ‘line-array.’

[@spiner111333]

EV sponsors your boys... I wouldn't trash talk the product... Ever hear the saying don't shit where ya eat? Cause that RCF speaker looks sketchy like a sub with a mic stand on it. Then you gotta fuck with the speaker wire that feeds the top. EV is a finish product. But what do I know I've only been DJing nearly 40 years. Just Say'n

[@dj2big]

Keep it real

[@stevenelson1840]

Stick-in-a-box is not a line, column, etc. array. DJ's are stupid when it comes to sound.